heart of ice 「 KimTaehyung * Y/N 」

Chapter 27: Shadows from the Past

The soft golden hues of the morning sun seeped through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the luxurious bedroom. Y/N stirred slightly, shifting under the silk sheets as her body adjusted to the new day. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind—from her engagement to Taehyung, their grand wedding, and now settling into their new home together.

But today felt different. The air held a strange tension, an uneasy whisper of something lingering in the shadows.

As Y/N sat up, stretching lazily, she noticed Taehyung standing by the window, his back to her, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. His posture was tense, muscles rigid beneath his white dress shirt.

"Taehyung?" Her voice was soft, but it cut through the silence like a blade.

He turned around slowly, his expression unreadable, but there was something dark swimming in his gaze. Something dangerous.

"We need to talk," he said, his voice clipped, controlled.

Y/N frowned, pushing the sheets aside and stepping out of bed. She walked toward him, placing a hand gently on his forearm. "What is it?"

Taehyung exhaled sharply, his jaw clenching before he finally spoke. "Zayan is back."

The name sent an immediate chill down Y/N's spine. Her breath hitched, and for a moment, the room felt smaller, suffocating.

Zayan Malik.

A name she had buried in the deepest corners of her mind. A name she never wanted to hear again.

Y/N swallowed hard, her fingers curling into fists. "What... what do you mean he's back?"

Taehyung's eyes darkened. "He arrived in Seoul yesterday. And he's looking for you."

She felt her knees weaken, but she straightened her spine, refusing to show the storm raging inside her. "Why now? After all these years?"

Taehyung's hand reached for hers, his grip firm, grounding her. "That's what I intend to find out. But you need to tell me the truth, Y/N. Everything about him."

Y/N's heart pounded. She had never spoken about Zayan to Taehyung before. She never thought she would have to. But the past had a cruel way of resurfacing when least expected.

She took a shaky breath. "Zayan and I... we were together a long time ago. Before I ever met you." Her voice wavered slightly, but she forced herself to continue. "At first, everything was perfect. He was charming, passionate... I thought I loved him."

Taehyung's fingers tightened around hers. "What happened?"

Y/N hesitated, the memories clawing at her mind like ghosts of a past she never wanted to relive. "He changed. He became possessive. Controlling. At first, it was subtle—small things, like telling me what to wear, who I should or shouldn't talk to. But then... then it became worse."

Taehyung's eyes burned with silent rage, but he let her speak.

Y/N inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself. "He started manipulating me, isolating me from people who cared about me. And when I finally found the courage to leave..." She trailed off, her throat tightening. "He didn't take it well. He threatened me. Said I would regret it for the rest of my life."

Taehyung let out a slow breath, his free hand curling into a fist at his side. "Did he ever hurt you?" His voice was dangerously low.

Y/N hesitated, then whispered, "Not physically. But emotionally... yes. He broke me in ways I didn't think I could ever heal from."

Silence fell between them, heavy and suffocating. Taehyung reached up, cupping her cheek gently, his thumb brushing against her skin. "You're safe now," he murmured. "I won't let him come near you."

Y/N closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. She believed him. But deep down, a gnawing fear took root.

Because if Zayan was back, it wasn't just for a casual visit.

He wanted something.

And Y/N had a sinking feeling she knew exactly what it was.

—

Later That Day

Y/N sat in the living room, trying to focus on the book in her lap, but her mind was elsewhere. She kept glancing at the door, half-expecting Zayan to barge in at any moment.

Taehyung had gone to his office to make calls, arranging extra security around their house. He was taking no risks.

The soft chime of her phone snapped her out of her thoughts. She picked it up, her heart nearly stopping when she saw the unknown number flashing on the screen.

She hesitated. Then, with a deep breath, she answered.

A familiar voice greeted her. Smooth, confident. Sinister.

"Hello, my love."

Her grip on the phone tightened. "What do you want, Zayan?"

A chuckle. "Still so cold. You used to be warmer with me."

Her stomach twisted with disgust. "I don't have time for this."

"Don't hang up," he said, his voice dropping an octave. "I came back for you, Y/N. Did you think I'd let you go so easily?"

A shiver ran down her spine. "I'm married now. I've moved on. You should do the same."

"Oh, I know all about your husband." His voice was laced with something dark. "Kim Taehyung. CEO. Powerful. Protective. Tell me, sweetheart, does he know everything about us?"

Y/N clenched her jaw. "Stay away from me."

Zayan hummed. "I don't think you understand, love. I'm not asking."

The call ended.

Y/N's hands trembled as she lowered the phone. Her breathing was uneven, panic clawing at her chest.

Zayan wasn't just back.

He was coming for her.

And this time, she had everything to lose.

—

Author's Note:

Ohhh, things just got intense! 😳 Zayan is back, and he's not playing around. What do you think he really wants? And how will Taehyung react when he finds out about this phone call? 👀

Let me know your thoughts!